Youngest Catcher in MLB Since 1991 | San Diego Padres News

Ethan Salas, the 20-year-old phenom catcher, is making his MLB debut with the Padres in the series finale against the Reds—batting sixth and poised to ignite a playoff push. Signed at just 16, he’s the youngest catcher to debut since Ivan Rodriguez and brings elite contact skills and left-handed power to a lineup desperate for spark. With San Diego clinging to a half-game Wild Card lead, Salas’ rise isn’t just about stats—he’s strategically positioned to lock down the catching role and potentially earn a massive draft bonus if he wins Rookie of the Year in 2027. And hey, even though he wasn’t on the 40-man roster, the Padres can petition to add him via an IL spot—standard procedure for top prospects like him. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/64e36eaaa1580538